2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K02Dental caries

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K00-K14›K02

ICD-10-CM K02
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

K02 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for dental caries, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K02.3, K02.51, K02.52, and K02.53.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K02
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Dental caries
Chapter
K00-K14
Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK00-K14Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands
CategoryK02Dental caries
This CodeK02Dental caries

Specific Coding for Dental cariesOverview

Non-specific codes like K02 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use K02.3 for Arrested dental caries

  • K02.5 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface

  • Use K02.51 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface limited to enamel

  • Use K02.52 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into dentin

  • Use K02.53 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into pulp

  • K02.6 for Dental caries on smooth surface

  • Use K02.61 for Dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel

  • Use K02.62 for Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into dentin

  • Use K02.63 for Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into pulp

  • Use K02.7 for Dental root caries

  • Use K02.9 for Dental caries, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Includes

  • caries of dentine
  • dental cavities
  • early childhood caries
  • pre-eruptive caries
  • recurrent caries (dentino enamel junction) (enamel) (to the pulp)
  • tooth decay

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Dental Caries

    localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. if left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.

  • Dental Caries Activity Tests

    diagnostic tests conducted in order to measure the increment of active dental caries over a period of time.

  • Dental Caries Susceptibility

    the predisposition to tooth decay (dental caries).

Patient EducationClinical

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

The full article covers:

  • What is tooth decay?
  • What causes tooth decay?
  • Who is at risk for tooth decay?
  • What are the symptoms of tooth decay and cavities?
  • How are tooth decay and cavities diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for tooth decay and cavities?
  • Can tooth decay be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About K02Overview

Is K02 (Dental caries) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for dental caries, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for dental caries need a more specific code from this category, such as K02.3, K02.51, and K02.52.